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Suvarnabhumi Airport to Bangkok: Rail Link, Bus or Taxi

Land before midnight and take the Airport Rail Link, which costs THB 15–45 and runs 05:30–24:00. Land later, or with heavy bags, and take a public taxi or Grab, both open 24 hours. For Khao San Road, the S1 bus costs about THB 60.

On this page
  1. Which way should you go?
  2. Taking the Rail Link
  3. Taking a public taxi
  4. Late arrival or heavy bags
  5. Going to Khao San Road
  6. Staying a few months?
  7. Going further
  8. Step by step
  9. Common questions

Which way should you go?

If you land before midnight, take the Airport Rail Link, which costs THB 15–45 and runs 05:30–24:00. Land later, or with heavy bags, and a public taxi or Grab is the better call, as both run 24 hours. Heading for Khao San Road? The S1 bus costs about THB 60.

The long arched terminal hall at Suvarnabhumi Airport with shops and escalators
The terminal hall at Suvarnabhumi Airport
Option Fare Hours Where
Rail Link THB 15–45 05:30–24:00 Level B1
S1 bus about THB 60 06:00–20:00 Level 1, Gate 7
Public taxi meter from THB 35 or THB 40, plus THB 50 24 hours Level 1, Gates 4 and 7
Grab in-app price 24 hours Level 1, Gate 4
A bright station concourse with escalators and platform doors at the Suvarnabhumi Airport Rail Link
The Airport Rail Link concourse at Suvarnabhumi

The station is on Level B1 of the main terminal. Phaya Thai Station connects to the BTS Skytrain, and Makkasan Station links to the MRT subway.

Ticket gates inside Suvarnabhumi Airport Rail Link Station
Ticket gates at the Rail Link station
Empty platform level of Suvarnabhumi Airport Rail Link Station with an escalator
Platform level of the Rail Link station

For Sukhumvit, change at Phaya Thai to the BTS Sukhumvit Line, which runs along Sukhumvit Road. For Silom, ride the BTS to Siam and change there to the Silom Line. Fares for the onward ride are in the BTS and MRT fares guide.

Taking a public taxi

Taxi stand signs at Suvarnabhumi Airport reading Regular Taxi and Public Taxi in English, Thai and Chinese, with travellers waiting beside a pillar.
The Regular Taxi and Public Taxi signs at the airport taxi stand.

Head to Level 1 of the main terminal, between Gates 4 and 7, and take a queue ticket from the service counter. The ride runs on the meter, which starts at THB 35 or THB 40. You pay the THB 50 airport surcharge to the driver, plus any expressway toll yourself, and baggage fees may also apply.

Give the driver the exact address and decline sightseeing detours, which can end at a gem store. If a driver overcharges or refuses the meter, report it to the Department of Land Transport on 1584.

Late arrival or heavy bags

If you land after midnight, the Rail Link has already stopped at 24:00, so a taxi or Grab is your answer, as both run around the clock. The same goes for a big suitcase, which is easier at the kerb than down on Level B1. For Grab, request the ride in the app and meet the driver at Level 1, Gate 4.

Going to Khao San Road

Bus S1 goes to Khao San Road (Sanam Luang) from 06:00 to 20:00. It boards at Level 1, Gate 7. After the last bus, take a taxi or Grab.

Staying a few months?

Daily rides on the BTS and MRT add up, so the BTS and MRT fares guide is worth a look before you pick where to live.

Going further

Photos (3)
  • Democrazy Chen
  • Phansak พิพัฒน์ฯ
  • Ryuichi Kozaki

↑ Contents

Step by step

  1. Rail LinkGo to Level B1 and ride the Airport Rail Link, 05:30–24:00, for THB 15–45.
  2. Public taxiTake a queue ticket on Level 1 between Gates 4 and 7, then ride on the meter plus the THB 50 surcharge and tolls.
  3. Khao San busBoard bus S1 at Level 1, Gate 7, between 06:00 and 20:00 for about THB 60.
  4. GrabRequest a ride in the app and meet the driver at Level 1, Gate 4.

Not confirmed: Rail Link fare for each station and train intervals: ask at the station or call +66 2 091 1595. Taxi total to Sukhumvit, Silom or Khao San: no official estimate is published, so expect the meter plus the THB 50 surcharge and tolls.

Common questions

Do taxis charge extra for bags?

Baggage fees may apply under Ministry of Transport rules.

Can I still take the Rail Link after midnight?

No, it runs 05:30–24:00. Taxis and Grab run 24 hours.

When does the S1 bus to Khao San Road run?

From 06:00 to 20:00.

Where do I meet my Grab driver?

At Level 1, Gate 4 of the passenger terminal.

Who do I complain to about a taxi?

The Department of Land Transport complaint line is 1584.

Sources and reader comments

Official sources:

Show 3 more sources

Company and press pages (not official sources):

Comments (7)

  1. RotisserieChicken007

    Metered taxis at Suvarnabhumi Airport are hurting big time I was sitting for half an hour near the taxi area at 8 PM a few days ago and there were barely any arriving passengers that chose the public taxi rank. There are five self-service kiosks but just one or two would have been enough. It will be hard for them to restore their reputation imo. I know this information is anecdotal, but I've never seen so few customers for so long.

    6 replies

    1. livinlicious

      Because on Grab you dont get scammed. You see the price before, and you can make the decision if you want it. 7bucks for the ride to my place is totally acceptable. No suprise, nothing. Always good. App Taxi services has fixed the one thing I hated in Bangkok. You had to ask 10 cars if they drive you for x price. Now you just go on the app and its automatic and painless.

    2. RotisserieChicken007

      Of course you can. The Grab pick-up point is actually just behind the metered taxis.

    3. RotisserieChicken007

      Just so you know that I have personally never had a problem with airport taxis so they're still a valid option in my opinion.

    4. DragonLegz

      First time arrival after a long trip went there got a ticket and got a taxi to sukhumvit, got to hotel and was charged 1000bt, the check in staff told me I was ripped off should be 300-500

    5. AdvantagePlus4711

      Last time at BKK... I went there from MoChit to pick up a relative coming to visit and it was 500 Baht. Then it was time to go back to MoChit... after 20 minutes just being told 1000 and no meter we went upstairs to the departure area and stopped a taxi there... again, 500 Baht with the highway fees.

    6. interestingtimes660

      The "sightseeing" routes have increased a lot from the metered taxis. 1) From Don Mueng, a metered taxi was taking a long way to Salaya. I asked why we were going away from Salaya on the toll roads, and after giving me some excuse, got back on the correct path. Cost me 50baht extra. 2) on the way to Bang Wa, I asked why we were headed to PraRam2, He appologized and did not charge the extra 100 baht. 3) On the way to Krathum Baen from immigration, I asked why he didnt do a U turn, and he muttered something. Ended costing an extra 50 baht. In the past, I get one sightseeing trips a year maybe.... In the last 2 months, I've had 3 already. Thats why I use Grab/Bolt and will add Line to my list of ride resources for longer trips. Hailing a metered taxi is still good, if its a straight shoot, or to a desirable location (central, iconsiam). Gotta stay on your toes out there. but remember to be polite and stay positive.

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